Although safety measures at the workplace have been paid more attention than ever, there are still many fatal injuries at work. Every employer must provide a safe environment for their employees. There are different protocols and rules to be followed for working on heights. For that matter, OSHA is a renowned institution with helpful information about fall protection.
We have also gathered the 8 most valuable tips on how to prevent accidents while working on heights.
Provide a thorough training program to your employees
Training is an essential part of any job, especially when it comes to safety measures. When employees are working on height, it is even more important to provide them with the right training and knowledge. A thorough training program can help ensure that your employees are safe while working on height and that they have the skills necessary to complete their tasks safely.
The training should cover all safety measures related to working at height such as proper use of safety equipment, understanding the risks associated with working at height, and how to identify potential hazards. Additionally, it should also include topics like how to properly inspect equipment before use and how to respond in case of an emergency.
Make sure to use the proper equipment
Working at height requires you to take proper safety measures and use the right equipment. This is why it is important to use the right kind of equipment when working on height.
Safety equipment such as helmets, respirators, harnesses, lanyards, and eye protection are essential for any worker who needs to work at a certain height. These pieces of gear provide the necessary protection against falls and other potential hazards that can occur while working on a ladder or scaffolding. Additionally, using the proper tools for any job can significantly reduce the risk of accidents or injuries.
Use ladders in the right way
It is important to take the right safety measures when using ladders. It is essential to make sure that the ladder is stable and secure before starting any work. The position of the ladder must be fixated firmly to avoid any accidents.
It is also important to ensure that there are no objects or obstacles around the ladder that could cause an accident while working on heights. The ladder should also not be placed near electric lines, as this could lead to fatal injuries. Lastly, it is important to use ladders of appropriate size for the job at hand for it to be stable and safe for use.
Use the railing for stabilization
One of the most important safety measures is the use of railing for stabilization. The railing helps to minimize the fall risk and can save lives. It provides a secure and stable platform for workers to stand on while they are working at height. The railing also helps to prevent any objects from falling off the edge, thus creating a safer environment for everyone involved. Employers must provide adequate safety measures when working on heights, and using railings for stabilization is one of them.
Make a detailed safety analysis beforehand
Working on heights is a hazardous and potentially dangerous job, which is why it’s important to make sure that the necessary safety measures are taken before starting any work. A detailed safety analysis should be done before any work is begun, to identify potential risks and dangers.
This report should include an assessment of the equipment to be used, the environment in which the work will take place, and the qualifications of those who will be doing the work. It should also include an analysis of how to reduce or eliminate risks associated with working at heights. By taking these precautions, we can ensure that everyone involved in such a project remains safe and secure throughout its duration
Calculate the fall distance
To prevent falls, it is important to take necessary safety measures at the workplace and calculate the fall distance correctly. This calculation of fall distance is a crucial step in ensuring that the workers are safe from any potential harm. Without accurate calculations, a harness can be rendered useless in case of an emergency.
One more thing to bear in mind, the worker´s height should be summed to the length of the harness to see if the harness is proper for that specific height. Although this sounds like something very logical, sometimes mistakes are made in calculations, and in this case, such a thing can put lives in jeopardy.
Update your training and replace the old equipment
To ensure the safety of employees, it is important to always update information on working at heights training procedures and replace old equipment if necessary. Having one initial training is not enough, since people forget things over time, and also, different projects require different approaches. Regular training should also be conducted to ensure that everyone is up to date with the latest safety protocols.
By regularly updating training and replacing old equipment, employers can reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace. This will not only help protect their employees but also increase efficiency by reducing downtime due to accidents.
Use guard rails for extra safety
Guard rails are one of the most effective safety measures for working at height, as they provide a physical barrier between the worker and the ground below. Guard rails can be used in many different situations, such as when working on scaffolding, ladders, or other elevated structures. In addition to providing a physical barrier, guard rails also help to remind workers of their safety responsibilities and can help reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
In a conclusion, don´t hesitate to provide the best professional training in case your projects include working on height. The money invested in this can help you and your staff get valuable information on safety procedures that can save lives or prevent serious injuries.